tWS 2022-2023 5th Issue

Sillimanians crowned Mister and Miss Negros Oriental 2022

Stefan R. Saldon Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo

SILLIMANIANS Jemuel Arnaiz and Princess Angel Saga strive to challenge beauty standards to improve Sillimanians’ self-esteem after winning the Mister and Miss Negros Oriental 2022 pageants during the Buglasan Festival.

Saga is the first tattooed candidate and winner of Miss Negros Oriental.

“A lot of people believed that I didn’t deserve to win because I have tattoos, but I knew that I had to be the person who was gonna change that,” she shared.

During the pageantry, she advocated for mental health awareness, challenging beauty standards, and women’s empowerment and equality.

She said, “As a tattooed woman, I’m changing the pageant industry and the minds of the people that a tattooed woman is still beautiful.”

Moreover, Arnaiz said his victory would help improve fellow Sillimanians’ selfesteem and give them more reasons to trust themselves.

“Hopefully, this will enable change in their lives and thus make them a better version of themselves,” Arnaiz said.

Saga also bagged awards in Best in Swimwear, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Production Number, Best in Active Wear, Miss Congeniality, and Miss Petron.

Meanwhile, Arnaiz was awarded Best in Production Number, Negros Oriental Best Speaker, and Best in Formal wear.

Arnaiz won the title of Mister Negros Oriental on Sept. 25, while Saga was crowned Miss Negros Oriental at Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Complex on Sept. 28. tWS

Alleged ‘food contamination’ investigation results: no definite conclusion

Ranjie Mae C. Nocete Nathaniel E. Carampatana

INVESTIGATION of the alleged ‘food contamination’ incident with the Silliman University (SU) Cafeteria resulted in no definite conclusion due to no timely sampling of the leftover food for laboratory testing; however, recommendations were made.

The alleged incident occurred during the acquaintance parties of the College of Mass Communication and School of Public Affairs and Governance last Oct. 1, with the investigation officially starting five days after.

Dr. Walden Ursos, the investigator of the incident, said that through deductive analysis, “the food may have started to [become] spoil four to six hours from the time of serving.”

He revealed through a crosssectional descriptive survey that the food and drinks were served at 3-4 p.m., with the dinners starting at 7-8 p.m.

To prevent future incidents, Ursos gave several recommendations. He emphasized “punctuality in attending social activities,” and suggested that school event organizers place their eating schedules at the earlier part of the program.

Moreover, he also recommended the use of food warmers “to not increase the risk of spoilage and [or] food contamination.”

Students were reported to experience symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

In a Google form questionnaire disseminated to both academic units by their respective deans, 97.8 percent of students believed that the cause of their gastrointestinal illness was due to the ‘contaminated’ food served by the cafeteria.

Moreover, 83.7 percent of respondents said they do not trust the cafeteria in catering food and drinks for school events anymore.

In response to the students who will not trust the cafeteria, Prof. Jane Belarmino, SU Vice President for Development, Enterprise, and External Affairs (VPDEAA) emphasized that it is a policy for all university events to get their food at the cafeteria.

She said that this is “to easily trace the food source and conduct necessary procedures in case of ingestion emergencies.”

Belarmino warned students that if they break this policy and emergencies occur, “they [students] will be held responsible.”

Ursos also added that based on past events, this was the first time a report and investigation on the university cafeteria was made.

editorial

feature

SU Divinity responds to communist recruitment allegations

Nina Isabelle J. Alolod

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY Divinity School (SUDS) responded to false claims that pointed them as the root of communist recruitment through an official statement on Oct. 27.

The allegations were fabricated by two pastors from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and broadcasted on the SMNI News Channel owned by Davao-based religious leader Apollo Quiboloy last Sept. 19.

Pastors Nathaniel Anas and Romeo Ngoho said on air during

the “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” program, “We have established the process of radicalization, recruitment, and infiltration that starts back at Silliman University that is owned by UCCP.”

SUDS posted an official response to the accusations on their Facebook page. It said, “These are false and misleading conclusions and violate journalistic ethics. They establish a conclusion without investigating further to hear from Silliman University Divinity School for a fair, accurate, and balanced report.”

CORONATION NIGHT. Sillimanians Jemuel Arnaiz (right) and Princess Angel Saga (left) pose for the crowd as this year's Mr. and Miss Negros Oriental during the Buglasan Festival Photo courtesy LupadDumaguete&NeilFloydMoralesPhotography

Calvin Matthew E. Castillo

Anna Avery T. Zapanta

With great power...

As per Executive Order No. 7 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, October 28, the public is no longer required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors, except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and all types of public transport.

The wearing of masks is “encouraged” for persons who are elderly, symptomatic, with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant, and those who were not vaccinated.

EO 7 also mandates the continued implementation of “minimum public health standards” including “good hygiene, frequent hand-washing, observance of physical distancing, and maintenance of good ventilation especially in indoor settings.”

However, as appealing as it sounds to ‘return back to normal,’ it is worth noting that Covid-19 still has its fist wrapped around the country. As of writing, there are still 111 active cases present in the province according to the Department of Health–that were made known. The risk of infection is still a reality and wearing masks along with maintaining good hygiene are active ways to continue to protect ourselves and the community.

EDITORIAL

In a study, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the “consistent use of a face mask or respirator in indoor public settings was associated with lower odds of

What'll It Be This Time?

CALVIN MATTHEW E. CASTILLO | Student

Silliman University is one of the best schools in the Philippines. It’s no surprise that students from all over the Philippines and the world come to Dumaguete just to study here. However, one of the more daunting challenges of living outside of your comfort zone is thinking about your next meal. Whether living alone in an apartment or a dormitory with others – the struggle is ever-present.

Dormitories in Silliman usually have a meal plan that parents or guardians pay for every semester.

Decisions

That means dormers typically get three meals a day, seven days a week. But the food isn’t necessarily five-star cuisine.

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,” is a quote from Forrest Gump. When put into context, it means that in life, you won’t know if the next thing you’ll experience will be good or bad. The same goes for dorm food. Some days, dormers are treated to delicious goodies like lechon kawali, barbeque skewers, or fried chicken.

ANNA AVERY T. ZAPANTA | tWS, Editor-in-Chief

A week ago while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a video of Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, speaking out on the threat of a collapse of the world’s population because of people choosing not to have children. This led me to wonder why this would be the case since it seems as though the world’s population is just growing, even reaching a whopping 8 billion!

Why is it that several people nowadays are choosing not to have children? When I asked myself the same question, I found myself answering: “Because it just doesn’t make sense to!”

Editor-in-Chief

Seeing how most adults have difficulty keeping up with expenses, bills, and other costs, adding a child would do nothing but worsen the situation. With the uncertainty brought by the declining economy, the deteriorating natural environment, and poor living conditions, a child would be out of the question.

According to a report from the Asian Development Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has set the fight against poverty in Asia back by two years. This brings us to a never-ending dilemma of sacrificing

Anna Avery T. Zapanta Associate Editor

Ranjie Mae C. Nocete News Editor

Nathaniel E. Carampatana Feature Editor

Ivan Anthony A. Adaro Web Manager

Sheikha A. Encabo Business Manager

Klodia Reese M. Gabaya News Writers

Nina Isabelle J. Alolod

Stefan R. Saldon

Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo

Most of the time, dormers endure stews, soups, fish (which some don’t eat), or the infamous rubber beef.

Many dormers regularly treat themselves to food from outside their cafeterias from time to time. Some see it as a welcome reward for their week’s hard work, while some just want a break from their typical fare.

Jules Ayungao of Vernon Hall said that although many dormers would rather buy and cook their own food, dormers still tolerate the meals for the sake of convenience. So, he sticks with the meal plans and hopes that the next meal is palatable.

time spent in the family to have the financial means to provide for them.

Let us not forget to factor in the expenses that rack up as early as pregnancy. The cost of regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and prenatal vitamins is already a painful chip on the savings. We have yet to take into consideration the healthy food, maternity clothes, and other needs and expenses an expectant mother has to worry about.

If I struggle to take care of myself on a day-to-day basis, how much damage would I bring to a child I cannot ensure I can devote all my time and energy to? Children are not just cute things to have that we can play with whenever we want. They deserve

Although students who live off campus spend and exert more effort on every meal, they have full control over what they eat and can budget their money instead of having a fixed price for every meal.

This is beneficial to students who are on a special diet, or those who work out. Instead of making do with the meal plan, a student can pick ingredients and meals that suit their special needs. It’s beyond a dormer’s power to pick what goes in their food without a special request to the Student Housing and Residence Division or the SU Cafeteria. But a student who lives offcampus has to deal with none of that.

respect and dignity because they too are human beings who will eventually become adults and members of society.

Awareness and validation of mental health are getting better and slowly being accepted by more people. People are also more self-aware and recognize that they may not be in the best mental state, nor have the mental capacity to be responsible for something as crucial as raising a child.

Many would argue that it is selfish not to bring a child into the world. Many would also say that the reasons stated above are mere excuses to avoid the responsibility of being a parent. However, I find it to be a selfless decision. It is selfless to abstain from the ‘joy’ of a child to avoid being

a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result.” However easy it may be to say that evidence does not prove that wearing masks is highly effective, it can also be said that there is no evidence that points to wearing a mask as completely ineffective.

We from the Weekly Sillimanian acknowledge that the lift of the mandate on wearing face masks both indoors and outdoors may be a relief to many, but considering that the virus has yet to cease posing as a threat to the health of the community, prevention is still always better than cure–and continuing to take precautions is still just as important.

Wearing a mask protects both the wearer and the people they come into contact with on a daily basis, and it is essential to take into consideration the health and safety of family, friends, schoolmates, staff, and the people we are surrounded with each day.

The executive order has consequently entrusted the Filipino people with the duty to be responsible for their decisions, and it is our hope that Sillimanians will take it upon themselves to be cautious and practice the aforementioned public health standards to mitigate the possibility of a resurgence in Covid-19 cases.

Ultimately, the power rests with the Silliman community to continue to fight against the spread of Covid-19, and in doing so upholding the responsibility entrusted to them. tWS

Julienne Eder from grade 11 SU Senior High School lives offcampus. She said that she couldn’t possibly survive on dorm food since she is a picky eater. She also said that she works out and that buying and preparing her food allows her to prepare high-protein meals that help her performance. She buys her groceries about twice a month and allots a budget of Php 1,500 every time.

In the end, what matters is what the student wants and needs. Depending on the circumstance, dorm food or cooking your own food can help a student improve oneself.

the subsequent reason that child would barely have any ‘joy’ in theirs.

Everyone has their definition of success and purpose in life. Just because raising children and having a family used to be the measure for that, it does not mean it is the same now and for everyone.

I’ve repeatedly heard the phrase “You either focus on your family, or you focus on your career. It’s never both.” While I disagree with some technicalities of that statement, it does urge me to get the message across that nobody – regardless of sex, gender, social status, financial status, race, or religion – should have to feel guilty if they choose one over the other or decide that they’re capable of both.

www.facebook.com/tWSillimanian weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph

Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

Feature Writers

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The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines, SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 4226002 loc. 243.

After Hell Week, NOW WHAT?

Hangyoon Ko Ang Kahitas- an

Nga unta ang mga buaya makaamgo sa paghinulsol sa ilang pagkalimbungan.

Nga unta ang mga adunahan magpaubos sa gihikawan.

Nga unta pagsubang sa adlaw mutumaw ang paglaom sa mga gipasipad-an.

Nga unta makat-on ang tanang katawhan sa pagpanalipod sa kalikopan ug kinaiyahan.

Sa panahon nga muabot ang gubat, unta lamdagan ang tanang kasing-kasing sa kalinaw. Sa panahon nga muhubas ang punong sa katubigan, unta mutulo ang kalooy sa mga gamhanan.

Sa panahon nga biay-biayon ang katungod sa kabus, unta mupatunga ang balaod haron pagtul-id sa sayop.

Tuod man ang tawo mahimong daotan, tungod sa hagit sa kahimtang sa iyang kinabuhi!

While academic backlogs remain, the “midterm season” has finally come to an end, and Sillimanians can finally breathe a sigh of relief—however short it may last. Most students would have used the long weekend to rest and replenish what had been mentally, physically, and quite emotionally draining during hell week by now.

Being new to the tangible aspect of university life and how the system of tertiarylevel education works on the ground, surviving the “first wave” of inperson hardships for this school year is quite the relief. After pulling consecutive all-nighters, sipping countless cups of coffee, and seemingly depleting brain cells, students are faced with the question: Now what?

In individual interviews, the Weekly Sillimanian asked some students what their expectations were after midterms. Kirk Yauder, a Pharmacy II student, blatantly uttered, “Some brief relaxation at first, and it’s just more hell after that.” This is seconded by Miaca Layosa, an Anthropology I student who added, “It’s still hell!”

Meanwhile, Felipe Dela Peña, a Biology II student, coldly expressed, “Back to [school] activities.”

However, on a lighter note, Jose Gomez, a Political Science III student said, “Spend time with friends, like finding places to eat out!”

Out of all the negative feedback received, one Sillimanian saw the

spending the long break with families and loved ones, trying out the popular silvanas along with other cakes and pastries at Sans Rival, or spending the night out with friends at Cafe Racer Diner. These are just a few examples of what post-midterm life has to offer!

A Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future

situation as the rain after a drought—a prime example of seeing situations with a silver lining, as was highlighted by Catriona Gray during the final round of Miss Universe 2018. Jokes aside, there may indeed be exciting adventures to look forward to, such as exploring the walkable streets of Dumaguete City, finally fulfilling the outdated plan to go to Barangay Valencia and try their food stalls,

sillimaniansspeak

Compiled by Rainne Nocete | tWS Social Media Manager/Graphic Artist

"Which department/college is the most jowable?"

“Love your own, so I’d say pharmacy would be the “most jowable”. I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated and goal-oriented my fellow pharmates are, and it’s really admirable. Not only that, but they would also make time for you in the midst of their very hectic schedules.”

“Would be Education because you know for me I am someone who really like respects and appreciates like intelligence. Having an interest in the studies, in the education department also requires outgoing, friendly and bubbly [personality] so I think the most jowable department for me would be Education.”

Euwan Maghuyop | BSBA ECON I

Sillimanians put a lot of effort into studying and working to obtain the caliber of scores they desire, and it is only fitting that they deserve to rest and have fun as an outlet to relieve the mental dread and exhaustion brought about by the midterm season. Hopefully, Sillimanians have had the opportunity to cherish the long weekend— which may have felt too short for anyone’s liking—because after this quick break, “finals season” will surely be looming in the distance.

When that time comes, everyone will have to face the “hellish” week again with another wave of academic workloads and stress on their shoulders. However, keep in mind that the semestral break is just within sight—a sweet reward that everyone can look forward to. tWS

As the economy veers from linear to circular, there is a great opportunity that can help people create a safe and secure space for all to open up. When a circular economy is put into practice with the welfare of people and the planet in mind, this will address not only pervasive environmental challenges but also social ones.

Every year, more than 100 billion tons of resources, including metals, minerals, fossil fuels, and organic materials derived from plants and animals, enter the market. Only 8.6% of waste is recycled and reused, and resource use has increased threefold since 1970. In a study by McGinty (2021), he stated that if current trends continue, it might increase by another twofold by 2050.

Overconsumption has destructive consequences for people, wildlife, and the environment as a whole. In a circular economy where waste and pollution are eradicated, products and resources are maintained in use for a longer time and natural systems can regenerate. This is now more critical than ever for society.

The circular economy model presents us with a fresh opportunity for innovation and integration between commercial enterprises, everyday life, and waste disposal management. It is a concept that has evolved over decades to become a viable substitute for current wasteful methods of unfettered consumption. It involves little in the way of consumer or business sacrifice and is gradually becoming the standard.

The design, maintenance, repair, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of this system would be revolutionary as it presents a new rational way of thinking about the use and disposal of items. At its core, a circular economy model’s fundamental goal is to eliminate waste through design. In essence, it is founded on the notion that waste does not exist. Products are tailored for a cycle of disassembly and reuse that will make it easier to handle, convert, or renew them.

By reducing resource extraction and keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees, the circular economy has been proposed as a solution to the ecological crisis (Sutherland, 2022).

Next Issue's Question: "What is the most unnecessary GE subject?" For your answers, just text Rainne Nocete (0998-555-7391). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

Northaliah Anjunelle M. Aventura | Pharmacy IV

“After pulling consecutive all-nighters, sipping countless cups of coffee, and seemingly depleting brain cells, students are faced with the question: now what?”

Paul Ray G. Donaire

Larry V. Villarin

Lea Katrina P. Canizares

“I believe it is the College Of Law. I like me a strong independent woman. I feel like law students are very attractive in general. They seem to have a certain aura around them and they also just seem to know what they’re talking about and I kinda like that.”

Andre

Bacay | SHS STEAM

Medical Doctors

Agir, Janssen Sonjaco

Alberto, Maria Lyrah Omalza

Amados, Sieglinde Rodriguez

Aragon, Arra Ysabela Cabag

Austero, Jucille Ann Culanag

Balungcas, Jaira Grace Quilicot

Barrantes, Lloyd Daniel Sarasap

Beligolo, Justin

Cabanag, Franco Daniel Cabanban

Caroro, Nerikka Crizel Tayros

Casianan, Dayle Danielle Salimbagat

Castillo, Richelle Anne Nesbith

Castillon, Czarine Pacamalan

Cebedo, Adrian Teopisto IV Evasco

Chan, Keesey Neva Cuaresma

Chang, Grace Justine Ocampo

Cimanfranca, Samantha Mananquil

Corsame, Gilcel Alliana Lumjod

Corsino, Jovilyn Alabata

Dela Cruz, Celine Veneria Flores

Duhaylungsod, Janeth Fe

Ferrer, Zoe Mnemosyne Riconalla

Gabas, Fernalyn Neca Canubas

Galabay, Lhe Jardin Credo

Garpa, Keith Simple

Gloria, Carmela Jessica Gonzales, Dan Gabriel Arsenal Gumalo, Glethel Friday Sienes

Magallanes, Rald-Romeo Abacahin Maxino, Lauren Therese Eisma

Mendoza, Arthel Kamsa

Ordoñez, Angel Cortes

Palionay, Janica Psyle Lumasag Pantaran, Hannah Rose Socor Pialago, Edward Joshua Tiloy Rago, Ranjette Joave Tumamut

Remocaldo, Gianelli Kristine Sularte

Samillano, Shairalyn Caña

Sarte, Daniel Garay

Sienes, Joseph Ivan Reasol

Simbajon, Princess Vigal

Togonon, Queen Trizia Quinicot Tomogsoc, Paul Jay Jumawan Vanguardia, Keren Keziah Elnar Varon, Jil Emmanuel Bagsican Vidal, Ma. Clarice Aura Gantalao Villanueva, Judee Anne Duran Villegas, Victor Giorgio Mortillero

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'food...

He said that the cafeteria has provided quality service for the past years, especially in handling big events such as alumni homecomings and invitational retreats.

In the onsite inspection of the Pulido Hall kitchen, Ursos said that the cafeteria “fully satisfied all the government requirements to operate.”

According to his investigation, kitchen utensils are well-cleaned, and the vehicle used to transport food and drinks is equipped with closed cabinets and covers to prevent contamination.

Stool specimens taken from the cooks and food servers also came out negative for bacterial contaminants and parasites.

Ursos also reminded the SU admin to intervene in time “so as to not miss the golden period to gather evidence[s] to determine or prove the occurrence of a food outbreak in the campus.”

For future emergencies, Belarmino advised students and teachers to immediately file a report to their office to ensure that the problem will be addressed effectively.

“Let us help one another. We thank everyone who initiated these [reports and investigations], for these will serve as our basis for improvement. The university is always looking to take care of its constituents,” she concluded. tWS

frompage1 | SU Divinity...

“First, they categorically state that Silliman University is owned by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. This is not true. The UCCP has five permanent seats on the Board of Trustees, but she does not own Silliman University,” SUDS added.

SUDS further clarified that the false allegations of communist recruitment and infiltration were made by elderly alumni. “The youngest of them, Pastor Anas, has not been involved with Silliman University for 20 years.”

“Silliman University controls the student organizations on campus and the deans are monitoring their departments carefully. Recruitment and infiltration do not start at Silliman University,” SUDS said.

SUDS concluded, “We call upon all UCCP Pastors to address their grievances against the church through the proper channels and not in public forums that may be misused.” tWS

from page 3 | A Circular...

The circular economy is deemed as a holistic approach with social and ethical considerations that could help pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for everybody. By properly utilizing natural resources and addressing climate issues, working towards a circular economy can contribute to the conservation of human health and biodiversity in a wide range of ways.

Through sustaining adaptive and flourishing local economies, the circular economy has the ability to address societal crisis and injustice, provide a more equitable management of resources, and generate new and quality jobs.

word search

Opportunities in more linear industries may go, but new jobs will be generated in industries like recycling, in services like repair and renting, or in startup businesses that utilize secondary materials in novel ways.

In addition to businesses, the environment, and the overall economy, individuals will also gain substantial benefits from the circular economy that ranges from higher discretionary income to improved living conditions and related health implications.

Partaking in the circular economy is an essential step in the battle against climate change and sustainability. For circular businesses, addressing social issues are important in enhancing influence and awareness.

Scaling value and circular models might be aided by considering any potential drawbacks. It is crucial to take into account the potential repercussions for the stakeholders— workers, communities, and users— when designing circular practices.

Being ecologically and socially responsible begins with creating mindful decisions that diminish negative ecological and social consequences—and it starts with us. The circular economy supports the creation of a cohesive and unified impact and approach by fostering open, honest dialogues that fuels the discussion of one’s beneficial impact and role on both people and the environment. tWS

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY HALLS

Test your knowledge on Silliman University's halls by finding them in this puzzle! Hint: There's a total of 10 halls hidden in the word search. Answers of the Word Search will be published on the next issue.